Page 17 - The Hobbit

Mountain. That is the usual dwarves' method- I think that is right, isn't it?" "Quite

right," said Thorin.
"Also," went on Gandalf, "I forgot to mention that with the map went a key, a
small and curious key. Here it is!" he said, and handed to Thorin a key with a long

barrel and intricate wards, made of silver. "Keep it safe!"
"Indeed I will," said Thorin, and he fastened it upon a fine chain that hung
about his neck and under his jacket. "Now things begin to look more hopeful. This
news alters them much for-the better. So far we have had no clear idea what to do.

We thought of going East, as quiet and careful as we could, as far as the Long
Lake. After that the trouble would begin."
"A long time before that, if I know anything about the loads East," interrupted

Gandalf.
"We might go from there up along the River Running," went on Thorin taking
no notice, "and so to the ruins of Dale-the old town in the valley there, under the
shadow of the Mountain. But we none of us liked the idea of the Front Gate. The

river runs right out of it through the great cliff at the South of the Mountain, and
out of it comes the dragon too-far too often, unless he has changed."
"That would be no good," said the wizard, "not without a mighty Warrior,

even a Hero. I tried to find one; but warriors are busy fighting one another in
distant lands, and in this neighbourhood heroes are scarce, or simply lot to be
found. Swords in these parts are mostly blunt, and axes are used for trees, and
shields as cradles or dish-covers; and dragons are comfortably far-off (and

therefore legendary). That is why I settled on burglary-especially when I
remembered the existence of a Side-door. And here is our little Bilbo Baggins, the
burglar, the chosen and selected burglar. So now let's get on and make some
plans."

"Very well then," said Thorin, "supposing the burglar-expert gives us some
ideas or suggestions." He turned with mock-politeness to Bilbo.
"First I should like to know a bit more about things," said he, feeling all
confused and a bit shaky inside, but so far still lookishly determined to go on with

things. "I mean about the gold and the dragon, and all that, and how it got there,
and who it belongs to, and so on and further."
"Bless me!" said Thorin, "haven't you got a map? and didn't you hear our

song? and haven't we been talking about all this for hours?"
"All the same, I should like it all plain and clear," said he obstinately, putting
on his business manner (usually reserved for people who tried to borrow money
off him), and doing his best to appear wise and prudent and professional and live